| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
I hear there's a pretty good writer who'd do well on this. I forget his name. Something tree-related. Woods or forests or something. James Orchards? Jimmy Thickets? Jamie Copses? I'll figure it out eventually.
Otherwise, super-excited for this AP. I was actually a little disappointed when I heard the announcement. Why? Because the list of APs that I want to run grows with every Paizo announcement, and there's so precious little time to run them all. Yeah, it's a good kind of problem.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I want to play a character for this AP based on Judas Priest's Painkiller, and I will play the song every time I'm told to roll initiative.
it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
I hear there's a pretty good writer who'd do well on this. I forget his name. Something tree-related. Woods or forests or something. James Orchards? Jimmy Thickets? Jamie Copses? I'll figure it out eventually.
Otherwise, super-excited for this AP. I was actually a little disappointed when I heard the announcement. Why? Because the list of APs that I want to run grows with every Paizo announcement, and there's so precious little time to run them all. Yeah, it's a good kind of problem.
Why Jim Groves in particular? I'm all for it, just want to know why...
it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
Martial Artist Monk replaces almost every non-(ex) ability with an (ex) ability...
| 10 people marked this as a favorite. |
Why Jim Groves in particular? I'm all for it, just want to know why...
Because I kick ass.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
And I still can't sit down.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I have to sit on a donut.
Why Jim Groves in particular? I'm all for it, just want to know why...Because I kick ass.
Exactly!
In more reasoned terms, having played/GMed a number of his scenarios/adventures I've come to enjoy his style and creativity. Plus he knows what to do with haunts, so if there's any haunted spaceships to be delved you know who to call.
In more humourous terms, given my preference for adventures penned by the indomitable owl a number of my friends now thoroughly expect me to be a Jim Groves fanboy - a source of amusement to them - which sometimes leaks over to the forums. Speaking of which:
it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
Give the wizard a gun.
Give the wizard a gun.do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
giving the casters a firearm is not enough
pretty much every Alkenstarian might as well be a gunslinger so they can at least deal martial damage against touch AC
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
You know, I'm pretty sure that if an Mana Wastes AP were to happen, Paizo would find a way for this not to be the case.
If they have a good story that involves the Mana Wastes (probably one that would cover Nex and Geb as well), magic-null areas would be of an amount that provides flavour and interest, but rare enough to avoid over half your players standing around twiddling their thumbs. Have a little faith in the benevolent blue-purple golem overlords.
Is it too much to hope for at least one glaringly obvious 'Expedition to the Barrier Peaks' reference?
Is it too much to hope for at least one glaringly obvious 'Expedition to the Barrier Peaks' reference?
JJ already confirmed a wrecked starship exploration. If that isn't a barrier peaks reference what is?! ;)
Froghemoths, vegepygmies, wolves-in-sheep's-clothing, a lot of card keys, and a map with walls that spell E.G.G. upside down. That should do it.
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
It has nothing to do with what I want. It's actually happening. So they've somehow worked around it. I mean, they'd have to for a level 12 party.
| 6 people marked this as a favorite. |
Why Jim Groves in particular? I'm all for it, just want to know why...Because I kick ass.Exactly!
In more reasoned terms, having played/GMed a number of his scenarios/adventures I've come to enjoy his style and creativity. Plus he knows what to do with haunts, so if there's any haunted spaceships to be delved you know who to call.
Yes, you call me. For anything. I'm not like the other writers but that is a strength as much as anything. I am only getting sharper and smarter with every iteration.
In fact, I got some craziness in Chapter Three of Wrath that will make heads explode. Specifically Mikaze will go into cardiac arrest AND have his head explode. BOTH! I dare not explain. Its much too soon.
In more humourous terms, given my preference for adventures penned by the indomitable owl a number of my friends now thoroughly expect me to be a Jim Groves fanboy - a source of amusement to them - which sometimes leaks over to the forums.
This not humourous, this is correct thinking. :D Nevertheless I humbly appreciate it. You will be vindicated soon. Their amusement will be transformed to shrieks of terror and delight.
Speaking of which: ** spoiler omitted **
Would love to, but first I have to successfully manage to go to both PaizoCon and GenCon in the same year. Sincerely, I would otherwise love to.
EDIT: Though seriously, James needs to train new authors and the pool needs to be rotated. As Neil said, anybody in their right mind would want to, but that is James's decision. If it's not to be me, I'll be a good sport and hitting the other product lines.
Give the wizard a gun.do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
giving the casters a firearm is not enough
pretty much every Alkenstarian might as well be a gunslinger so they can at least deal martial damage against touch AC
It'd totally be enough, because the recoil on a gun would be hilarious on a glass bones and styrofoam organs wizard ;)
|
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
In fact, I got some craziness in Chapter Three of Wrath that will make heads explode. Specifically Mikaze will go into cardiac arrest AND have his head explode. BOTH! I dare not explain.hhhhhhhHHHHRHRRNHAAAUUUUGGGHH with the Wrath content teasing!!
;)
From the Ask James thread;
Wes is the one to talk to about fallen angels. And there's a lot about how a demon can rise and become redeemed in Wrath of the Righteous, particularly part 3.
|
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
In fact, I got some craziness in Chapter Three of Wrath that will make heads explode. Specifically Mikaze will go into cardiac arrest AND have his head explode. BOTH! I dare not explain.hhhhhhhHHHHRHRRNHAAAUUUUGGGHH with the Wrath content teasing!!
;)
From the Ask James thread;
Wes is the one to talk to about fallen angels. And there's a lot about how a demon can rise and become redeemed in Wrath of the Righteous, particularly part 3.
...
.......
I am going to walk outside right now and I am going to scream at the sky with the most joyful of sounds.
THANK YOU. :)
Heh. And imagine THAT and what I am thinking of. ;D
Its a genuine surprise.
Neil's not wrong. I got my first "Ooh, ooh! Me!" email less than 20 minutes after the announcement. :)
How many of those were from Mikaze? lol :)
As to the AP itself, I think it would be kind of fun for a DM to gradually reveal to the players that one or more of their characters (perhaps the entire party!) actually turn out to be Androids.
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
Magic works in the Mana Wastes- it just doesn't always work, and it doesn't always work reliably. Even, sometimes, drastically.
It would be difficult to do an entire campaign there without making some adjustments, though, I agree.
I rather expect that a campaign set down there would not take place exclusively in/around Alkenstar and the Mana Wastes, though, but would probably include Geb and Nex as well.
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
I'm having trouble following the logic behind this. In a game, where the standard (if perhaps false) complaint is "casters overshadow martials", if you end up taking out all the casters and leaving only martials . . . the martials will then suck? What? All the martials will be fighting other martials, so, all the martials will suck and die swiftly against each other? Who wins?
Though, I shouldn't make assumptions, your position may very well be that there is no (or very little) martial-caster disparity if high-level gaming is handled well (as is my position). But even if that were the case, a martials-only setting doesn't gimp martials, regardless of anyone's position on casters.
Anyway, more on topic, I just noticed this thread didn't have a dot next to it for me. I could have sworn I had posted my excitement already, but apparently not. So allow me to now:
NUMERIA!!!!! FINALLY!!!! YES!!! AND DOMINION OF THE BLACK!!!!!! OH GLORIOUS DAY!!!! IT'S LIKE A THOUSAND CHRISTMASES/RELIGIOUS-HOLIDAY-OF-YOUR-CHOICE ALL ROLLED INTO ONE GLORIOUS MOMENT!!!!
Ahem, apologies for the shouting. Sorry if I disrupted anyone.
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
Magic works in the Mana Wastes- it just doesn't always work, and it doesn't always work reliably. Even, sometimes, drastically.
It would be difficult to do an entire campaign there without making some adjustments, though, I agree.
I rather expect that a campaign set down there would not take place exclusively in/around Alkenstar and the Mana Wastes, though, but would probably include Geb and Nex as well.
Yeah, was going to say, I thought according to Inner Sea Magic there was primal magic?
|
|
Is it too much to hope for at least one glaringly obvious 'Expedition to the Barrier Peaks' reference?JJ already confirmed a wrecked starship exploration. If that isn't a barrier peaks reference what is?! ;)
Yes, he said that there will be some nods throughout the whole AP series. I mean how can their not be, it was one of the major releases that dealt with high tech meets fantasy in RPGs. Of course not counting the old Blackmoor stuff (which had a suit of Powered Battle - back in 1975).
I would like to see some nods to:
-S3 Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (JJ confirmed that there would be some throughout the AP)
but also would like to see some nods/Easter eggs for:
Temple of the Frog (75 and 86 version)
GW1: Legion of Gold (1981 - one of the best if not the best GW module)
|
|
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
pretty sure it has been said elsewhere that the mana wastes dont stop magic. Instead there are areas of wild magic which can have various random affects.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
EDIT: Though seriously, James needs to train new authors and the pool needs to be rotated.
What a great idea! ;-)
::Edges closer to the pool with his water wings on ... eyeing the deep end.::
So why isn't there any info on the other products that go with this AP?
Because it's a year and change before it hits and they haven't even planned out the full outline of the story itself, so they don't know WHAT products they'll need to go with the AP.
PATIENCE. =)
Because it's a year and change before it hits and they haven't even planned out the full outline of the story itself, so they don't know WHAT products they'll need to go with the AP.
PATIENCE. =)
*channels Ed Gruberman* Patience, yeah yeah, how long'll that take?
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
I second (third?) Jim Groves!
And Hodge. Hodge needs to be involved.
...
HOLY @#$%
Has this been announced somewhere? Please tell me it has been...
Has this been announced somewhere? Please tell me it has been......
HOLY @#$%
I did a quick search after Mikaze's post, and couldn't find anything. I think it was more borne of the excitement of realising that there's a high chance that this could be a tie-in product for the Iron Gods AP.
So why isn't there any info on the other products that go with this AP?
Because they haven't figured out the best way to do it yet. Do they need to Campaign Setting books and 2 PC books? Can they fit it all in 1 and 1? Those decisions had not been made yet on Sunday when I asked.
|
|
Could Paizo stat up a thing from "The Thing?" Because that thing was the coolest thing around. Please?
I wrote up something that could be adapted to a 'Thing' here.
Could Paizo stat up a thing from "The Thing?" Because that thing was the coolest thing around. Please?I wrote up something that could be adapted to a 'Thing' here.
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
pretty sure it has been said elsewhere that the mana wastes dont stop magic. Instead there are areas of wild magic which can have various random affects.
if i remember older versions of wild magic correctly
it involved the concept of either your magical working exceptionally well, working normally, being completely useless, or hindering you instead. depending on die rolls. and it did that for every spell
in other words, casters were still screwed, because the chances of your spells giving unintended negative results were drastically higher than your chances of getting intended possible results
|
|
That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
pretty sure it has been said elsewhere that the mana wastes dont stop magic. Instead there are areas of wild magic which can have various random affects.
if i remember older versions of wild magic correctly
it involved the concept of either your magical working exceptionally well, working normally, being completely useless, or hindering you instead. depending on die rolls. and it did that for every spell
in other words, casters were still screwed, because the chances of your spells giving unintended negative results were drastically higher than your chances of getting intended possible results
Whatever you remember from older versions, primal magic in Pathfinder works pretty much that you have 50% chance for a risk of primal effect, which you can avert with a concentration check. An occasional nuisance/complication yes, "screwed" no.
|
Whatever you remember from older versions, primal magic in Pathfinder works pretty much that you have 50% chance for a risk of primal effect, which you can avert with a concentration check. An occasional nuisance/complication yes, "screwed" no.That's not stopping them from doing the next module in Alkenstar.it took a lot of effort to set up an AP in Numeria
i doubt we will really have an Alkenstar AP unless we rewrite how the Mana Wastes work. because as written, the only classes they won't utterly screw over are, the fighter, rogue, cavalier, and gunslinger.
ninja archetype will be screwed, Samurai are just a fancy cavalier archetype. barbarian will be heavily gimped.
the reason for that is, those 4 specific classes rely purely on Ex; abilities
do you really want an AP, let alone a module, that takes place in a setting where 80% of the classes have no real ability to contribute and where nobody can keep up at the high levels?
you are talking about a complete cutoff both from magic, and from supernatural abilities, and a complete shutdown of magic items.
Alkenstar is Gimpland for everyone
no casting, means no buffs and no healing. means martials die swiftly
pretty sure it has been said elsewhere that the mana wastes dont stop magic. Instead there are areas of wild magic which can have various random affects.
if i remember older versions of wild magic correctly
it involved the concept of either your magical working exceptionally well, working normally, being completely useless, or hindering you instead. depending on die rolls. and it did that for every spell
in other words, casters were still screwed, because the chances of your spells giving unintended negative results were drastically higher than your chances of getting intended possible results
There is even a archetype based around using Primal Magic to fuel spells instead of expending the spell slot the spell is prepared in. It revolved around making making DC 20+2x[Spell Level] Concentration checks so you had to put in a lot of effort into increasing your concentration.
The archetype appears in Inner Sea Magic.
Some options for increasing your concentration included
Feats:
Uncanny Concentration from Ultimate Magic (Requires Combat Casting)
Shielded Caster from Advanced Player's Guide (Teamwork Feat, good with a cavalier cohort with Order of the Staff who can also aid another to increase Concentration checks among other caster related checks)
There are also many traits, the easiest to qualify for and most effective for this purpose is Focused Mind from APG which gives a +2 trait bonus and uses your Magic trait.
|
|
Thanks for the Thing ideas. I've seen a couple iterations of it, including the incredibly complicated star doppelganger from D20 Modern. I like Set's on account of simplifying what, in the movie itself, is a ridiculuously complicated creature. Off the top of my head, John Carpenter's Thing can...
-Survive as long as even a single cell is intact (reminds me of a certain DBZ villain)
-Defy gravity
-Expand its body mass to crazy proportions, possibly without limit
-Absorb the knowledge of everything it infects
-Have a hive mind?
I don't think it had a hive mind. I believe there always was a parent/dominant creature and a series of back ups (which could switch to become the dominant creature), but I don't think they communicated via telepathy or had a shared consciousness - just a shared objective - self preservation. To the point that it would sacrifice a pawn to save the the greater creature.
I don't think it could defy gravity per se - more like change its mass and density. I view the Thing as more of Chill/Call of Cthulhu type monster than something that follows the normal rules of physics.
I think that while each cell was alive I don't think that each one had the capacity to fully infect and take over a creature (unless there was a large amount of "Thing" material) otherwise infection would be considerably easier (which it wasn't, based off of the dog pen or Blair/Garry scene).
Yeah, trying to put that into game terms is a bit intimidating. Still, it sounds like a truly terrifying high-CR monster. Possibly BBEG quality.
** spoiler omitted **
I love the movie also - one of the best horror flicks out there - with a great cast of characters (no throw-aways). My players think very much the way the characters in the movie did when facing no-win or close to no win situations. They do not turtle up or withdraw, they say "what do we do". I think most gamers unfortunately would just "check out" if put in the same situation where they were going to lose their prized character - either not caring what happens or just playing stupid when faced with almost guaranteed defeat.